I began my new life...a life of good health. As we end 2005, I have so much to be thankful and grateful for. God has truly blessed me and my family. It's hard to believe that on January 14, 2005 I weighed a whooping 260 lbs and not even a year later I've lost 1/2 of myself, losing a total of 136 lbs., now weighing 124.2 lbs, I have a normal BMI and I have my health back. Some of the other blessing I've had this year are: 1) I still have a job....at this time last year we were potentially looking for a close down of our company and layoffs...today it looks like I'll be here at least 6-9 more months and potentially a retention bonus...yep if this happens look out PS, . I have the best employer in the world...I knew there was a written exclusion in our insurance policy so when I approached my company about waiving the exclusion last January, they asked UHC for a one time waiver...UHC said no....we put the exclusion in your policy because of the number of employees you have...it wasn't an option to you. Soooo being the great company they are....bonus time comes around and guess what....my bonus was almost enough to pay for my entire surgery, don't you agree it is a great company? 2) My children have both been healthy this year...boy it's odd not being at the pediatrican office every month or two . My oldest started school and is doing well academically...now in conduct that's another story , he can't keep his mouth shut for anything....we do think he is hyperactive but aren't going to look into any meds at this time until it potentially interfers with his learning. 3) My grandmother that has suffered for many, many years with osteoporisis, diabetes and dementia passed away in September, many may not consider it a blessing...but it is...yes I miss her tremendously but she suffered for so long...to know that she is in Heaven with my grandpa and no longer suffering is a blessing in itself. 4) Hurricane Rita hit and destroyed my home town in late September....a blessing? Not that everything was destroyed but that everyone in the parish of Cameron left, there were no deaths and no injuries. It is a very small community, I knew almost everyone there and I had many family members and friends there, I thank God that everyone is safe....they are strong people, survivors....they will rebuild I can guarantee you that. 5) My husband has a great job...he has never been happy with his jobs since we've been in Houston....most of his life he worked in the oilfield service industry in Cameron....well guess what...he's back there. For the same company he worked for when we lived there...right now they are using him to rebuild the offices...he has an extensive background in home repair so they hired him on the spot to repair their office and living quarters and guaranteed him a job as a crane operator once that is done. What a blessing! 6) Not only did I have WLS this year....my husband also had WLS on April 8th, he weighed 394 lbs when he began his journey...today he weighs 254 lbs....he has more energy than he's had in a long time....our relationship has improved tremendously, he is the love of my life and my friend, supporter, encourager and lover, what more can I ask for? To all of you that have been my friend this year...THANK YOU! You guys and gals have really been the best, I hope that all continue to communicate with each other, the support and encouragement are phenomanal on OH, you are part of my FAMILY and oh what a great family it is. May all of you have a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy 2006! Hugs, Dana

Have a great holiday dorthe....i'll miss seeing you as often! I hope work goes well for you. Steph

first day back was certainly not boring. just wanted to let y'all know i won't be able to post as much - but i'm still here dorthe p.s. merry christmas

Tavia, girl you MUST stop, it must be frightening for you. I'm still in a 4 for the most part but I have no shape left, just lots of skin, (no hips, no butt and no legs), I'm still larger on the top but wearing a medium and happy. How many meals and snacks are you eating a day? My surgeon suggested I add healthy snacks (cheese, nuts, protein bar, etc.) to up my caloric intake and to drink 1 protein drink a day w/whole milk , not sure if I can do the milk, makes me nauseated. I've gotten some good replies on the main board, i.e. adding butter to steamed vegetables, drink with meals to allow us to eat more, add good fat to the diet (olive oil, etc.). Hope this helps! Dana

Faith, I called my surgeon's office this morning. The nurse said yes I need to stop the loss and has suggested I begin eating 2 snacks a day (which I do somedays already) of nuts, cheese, protein bars, etc. and adding 1 protein shake with whole milk a day....we'll see, she said to call her back in a week or two and report what's happening. Thanks for your reply. Dana